Amazing trailer for the Woodstock Film Festival

Fallon, Timberlake's history of rap

Banned or challenged books - a report

Here's a crazy report featuring books that were banned or challenged at schools or libraries in 2009 and 2010. Here are my favorite nonsensical challenges, because, apparently ...
... there's no need to know about the Holocaust:

"Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl" (Doubleday)

Challenged at the Culpeper County, Va. public school (2010) by a parent requesting that her daughter not be required to read the book aloud. Initially, it was reported that officials have decided to stop assigning a version of Anne Frank’s diary, one of the most enduring symbols of the atrocities of the Nazi regime, due to the complaint that the book includes sexual material and homosexual themes. The director of instruction announced the edition, published on the fiftieth anniversary of Frank’s death in a concentration camp, will not be used in the future despite the fact the school system did not follow its own policy for handling complaints. The remarks set off a hailstorm of criticism online and brought international attention to the 7,600-student school system in rural Virginia. The superintendent said, however, that the book will remain a part of the English classes, although it may be taught at a different grade level.

Removed from the St. Edmund Campion Secondary School classrooms in Brampton, Ontario, Canada (2009) because a parent objected to language used in the novel, including the word “nigger.”

... nobody needs words.

Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary (Merriam-Webster)

Pulled from the Menifee, Calif. Union School District (2010) because a parent complained when a child came across the term “oral sex.” Officials said the district is forming a committee to consider a permanent classroom ban of the dictionary.

... vampires not having sex are no fun.

Stephenie H. Meyer, Twilight series (Little)

Banned in Australia (2009) for primary school students because the series is too racy. Librarians have stripped the books from shelves in some junior schools because
they believe the content is too sexual and goes against religious beliefs. They even have asked parents not to let kids bring their own copies of Stephenie Meyer’s
smash hit novels — which explore the stormy love affair between a teenage girl and a vampire — to school.

... awesome graphic novels turned into bad movies must be bad.

Aland Moore, "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Black Dossier" (America’s Best Comics)

Challenged at the Jessamine County Public Library in Nicolasville, Ky. (2009). A petition with 950 signatures was presented to the board to overturn its collection policy. The petition specifi cally asked for the removal of four works on the grounds that they “offended me in that they depict sexual acts and/or describe such acts in a way that in my opinion are contrary to the Jessamine County public opinion” of what should be in a public, taxpayer-supported collection. The petition concluded the works constituted a public safety issue in that they encourage sexual predators. In addition to Moore’s graphic novel, the other works challenged were Snuff, by Chuck Palahniuk, Choke, a DVD based on a novel by Palahniuk; and the DVD Ron White:
You Can’t Fix Stupid. The graphic novel eventually got two employees fi red for breaching library policies, the library director was threatened with physical harm, and the book was recataloged, along with other graphic novels with mature trends, to a separate but unrestricted graphic novels section of the library.

Greg Giraldo's Twit-bute

Comedian Greg Giraldo died today. He was 44.

"The tragic news of Greg’s passing hits us very, very hard. Greg has been a close member of the Comedy Central family for years, injecting his energy and wicked sense of humor into countless projects. The comedy community lost a brother today. Our thoughts are with his family,” read the statement by Comedy Central, given to the Hollywood Reporter.

Famous friends of the comedian have took to Twitter to pay respects to the comic, best known from his appearances on NBC’s "Last Comic Standing" and Comedy Central's roasts, "Lewis Black’s Root of All Evil" and "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn."

New World Home Cooking's Ric Orlando: 'F*@#% me'

Champion chef Ric Orlando is now a "Chopped Champions" loser.

The owner of New World Home Cooking in Saugerties, whom the Freeman profiled recently, got the ax from The Food Network's show on Tuesday (he'd won "Chopped" twice, securing his spot for the championship show and a chance at $50,000).

All Over Albany has a nice play-by-play of the whole affair, in which contestants use unlikely ingredients to make tasty dishes.

F*ck me--That was the most exhilarating thing ever, except watching my kids get delivered, of course! Que sera--Back to work tomorrow! This experience made me a better person and a better chef, not doubt in my mind.Rock on, Baby!, Rock on! Thanks for all, and I mean ALL of the love! It is the greatest reward one can ask for. Cheers.

Rock on, indeed.

Check out this past clip of Orlando doing a desert with papaya, sake, crackers and cheese.
Gross.

And here's Orlando talking to the Freeman about his philosophy and food, which hopefully doesn't involve papayas with cheese.

The Oscar nominated actress' e-mail, quoted in "Faults found with flimsy film fee," also had, "Sent from my Verizon Wireless Blackberry." But I have a sneaking suspicion she didn't actually write that.

How to get reporters to cover news live (and from the field)

It is an experiment, part of the Journal Register Company's Idealab, in which I am tasked, every month, with finding a problem in our newsroom and try to come up with a solution.

We told you we'll be completely transparent about our progress, so here's the first month's report.

The problem: How to get reporters to break news stories as they happen.

Before September, our website was not what it should have been. Besides a few latest updates, everything else was stagnant and static.

Before, for a breaking news or a latest update, a reporter had to write something and tell an editor - who had to be in the newsroom. Then the editor had to drop everything he or she was doing, edit the item and post it online. If the editor had no time to do this because of workload, the item wasn’t posted. If there was no editor available, the item didn’t get posted either.

Monday night 'political' tweets and ... wait? He said WHAT?

The band that became The Beatles stops by Rosendale

The Rosendale Theatre hosted the band that would eventually become The Beatles over the weekend.

Oh, yes. It did.

The Quarrymen, which formed in Liverpool in 1956 and reunited in 1997, came to the area on Friday to celebrate the Oct. 9 (you guys!) 70th birthday of the late John Lennon.

The Quarrymen perform in Rosebery Street, Liverpool, on June 22, 1957. From left are Colin Hanton, Eric Griffiths, John Lennon, Len Garry, Pette Shotton and Rod Davis (Wikipedia photo).

Below, in a photo by Ted Dixon, the surviving members of the band, from left, Rod Davis, Colin Hanton, a poser congressman who is not in the band but who is running for re-election so his name won't be mentioned here, and Len Garry, enjoy a moment together in Rosendale.

A twitterview with Kingston Alderman Tom Hoffay

I decided to do a drive-by interview today, via Twitter, with Kingston Alderman Tom Hoffay about the proposed fee that would be imposed to filmmakers who want to shoot in Kingston.
What follows is the twitterview.

Movie genius and city alderman Charles Landi, D-Ward 3, said “these production companies make big money." So much money, in fact, that the Hudson Valley Film Commission, on the very day the proposal was discussed, sent an e-mail asking supporters for all that money it doesn't really have (I don't have any money, by the way).

"WE NEED HELP," wrote film commission director Laurent Rejto, in all-caps, in case you missed the SENSE OF URGENCY. "Government grants have been slashed by up to forty percent and we need to make up those losses."

Landi told the Freeman that, “taxpayers in the city are inconvenienced” by traffic tie-ups caused by filming and should be reimbursed for those headaches. Such inconveniences also include the "nearly $15 million dollars of economic development to the region," according to the film commission.

Also, is the city going to write checks to its residents any time a movie shoots in town? Because, you know, I'm kind of feeling a bit inconvenience by having movie stars such as Oscar nominated actresses Vera Farmiga pollute my streets with her awesomeness.

OK, so I'm a little biased. I'm biased for having movie stars shoot movies around town and for the dumping of millions of dollars into the region.

Call me crazy.

The city will discuss the issue in October, and I'm tempted to bring a camera.

Daily Freeman 2.0.1.02752893475WhySoManyNumbers

Regular readers of the Daily Freeman online might have noticed some slight improvements to the site recently. But if you haven't, here's some of the things that are new:

Better sharing interface:

Below every headline, you'll now see how many times the story has been tweeted, recommended on Facebook (it's awkward to like bad news), Digg-ed, shared on MySpace (yes, it's still around), and how many comments the story has. You can also print, e-mail and share on other social networks in an easier way.

The same sharing options are at the bottom, plus a nice compendium of videos. If you are in a sports story, only sports videos come up. Same applies to news and features.

Twitter feed:

If you scroll down past the main headlines on the front page, you'll see this:

This Twitter feed includes all reporters, editors, the publisher and the Freeman's main Twitter feed. There's no need to chase us around, we're all here.

Search:

Below the Daily Freeman banner, at the right, you can now performed an advance search. It's not as comprehensive as we would like. But it's a start. And we'll keep improving upon this.

Calendar:

Now you can submit your own events online. If you click on the calendar right now, you'll notice it's a bit bare, which is so because we haven't told you about this feature yet. But you asked for it. So there it is. The full calendar is in print, and online, so you won't be missing anything. But we'll be moving in this more comprehensive direction, as to serve you better.

Before you write your snarky comment, let me admit all these improvements are not earth-shattering or groundbreaking. But they'e long overdue, and we're happy to offer you the opportunity to join in and participate in the process.

Let us know what you think. We'll be tweaking the site in the process, and your input is crucial.

* The Chance announces that Wu Tan Clan killer bee Ghostface Killah is coming to Poughkeepsie! (Protect ya neck!). Mr. Killah is promoting his latest album, "Ghostdini," with a tour a a series of not-safe-for-work Killah videos.

Melissa Leo, Vera Farmiga in Toronto ahead of Woodstock Film Festival

Oscar-nominated Stone Ridge actress Melissa Leo marks a milestone today as she celebrates her 50th birthday today. She will be at the Woodstock Film Festival in early October. She stars in "Welcome to the Rileys" with James Gandolfini ("The Sopranos") and Kristin Stewart ("Twilight").

Another Ulster County star roaming in Toronto is Oscar-nominated actress Vera Farmiga, who, as you can see from the picture below, likes to rub her pregnant belly. Farmiga was there to promote "Henry's Crime" with Keanu Reeves. Both are scheduled to be at the Woodstock festival, though Farmiga is due with her second child in October.

Rosendale theater celebrates John Lennon's birthday by linking to article

Stephanie Ellis of the Rosendale Theatre "wanted to pass along this recent article about John Lennon's 70th Birthday celebration."

At the bottom, it mentions "Nowhere Boy, a biopic tracing Lennon's teen years and the evolution of The Quarrymen into The Beatles, opens in select cities Oct. 8." and "The reformed Quarrymen pay homage to their bandleader with a 16-date Happy Birthday John! U.S. tour Sept. 23 to Oct. 9, with multiple guests in New York."

Well, a sneak preview of Nowhere Boy is showing at only 4 theaters in the nation, and the Rosendale Theatre is one of them! You should have already received the press release

After the film The Quarrymen will perform. This all takes place on Sept. 24.

Kingston native Jessica Arsenault and Karen NoLastNameProvidedByTLC of Rifton will appear on TLC's "Four Weddings," now in its second season, where four brides agree to attend – and score – each other’s weddings. The bride whose wedding rates the best wins a honeymoon to a surprise destination.

On Friday’s 10 p.m. episode, Arsenault, will be judging three other weddings on the food, the dress, the venue, overall experience and uniqueness.

Go to 'Don't Go in the Woods' near the woods, with Vincent D'Onofrio

"Don't Go in the Woods" directed by Vincent D'Onofrio, and "Bitter Feast," directed by Joe Maggio and produced by Larry Fessenden, will be screened simultaneously at the Emerson Resort & Spa on Route 28, Mount Tremper, on Oct 1. at 8 p.m., as part of a collaboration between the resort and the Woodstock Film Festival.

The event will be preceeded by a feast and will be followed by a gala filmmakers' party.

"Don't Go in the Woods" is the directorial debut of actor D'Onofrio, best known for his roles in "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Full Metal Jacket," (memorable line: "I am in a world of sh*t") "Men In Black" and "The Cell." Musical score by singer-songwriter and producer Sam Bisbee will be shown, appropriately, at the edge of the woods - in the Emerson's outdoor Catamount Pavilion.

D'Onofrio, Bisbee, Maggio and Fessenden will be in attendance for a question-and-answer session after their films. The Q&A for "Don't Go in the Woods" will also include a performance by the band featured in the film.

Woodstock resident Mary Giuliani will create a sumptuous, pre-screening banquet for "Bitter Feast" ticket-holders. She is working closely with chef Mario Batali, who makes a cameo appearance in the film, to create a Batali-inspired menu.

The Woodstock Film Festival describes the films:

Synopsis: DON'T GO IN THE WOODS – described as "Glee" meets "The Blair Witch Project" – is a slasher/musical which cleverly walks an unusual line: always maintaining a sinister and creeping sense of dread, with characters bursting into song at the oddest of times. An indie rock band of five young men heads into the woods for a weekend of creative inspiration away from modern distractions. New songs are sung and written, but female groupies crash the creative jam session, causing distraction. In traditional slasher movie style, characters begin disappearing. The film oozes with thrills and a dark sense of humor, complemented by a solid rock soundtrack. This offbeat horror film explores the lengths that people will go to in order to make their dreams come true, and marks the directorial debut of actor Vincent D'Onofrio.

Synopsis: BITTER FEAST renowned chef Peter Gray, played smartly by James LeGros, is having an awful day. His celebrity cooking show is sinking fast in the ratings and his posh New York City restaurant Feast has once again received a nasty review from online food critic JT Franks (Joshua Leonard), leaving Gray frazzled, frustrated and fired. Gray seeks retribution by kidnapping the critic who has tormented him for so long. What follows in Joe Maggio's revenge thriller is a delightfully crafted tale of intrigue, torture and culinary delight. The film features a cameo by celebrity chef Mario Batali. Hudson Valley resident Larry Fessenden (Glass Eye Pix) produced and co-stars in a film that is sure to be a banquet not just for your eyes and ears, but your taste buds as well. Bon Appetit. Other fright films featuring Glass Eye Pix personnel at the 2010 Film Festival include Stake Land, and the shorts Off Season and Horror at Glen Atty.

Tickets are available online and at the Woodstock Film Festival Box Office, 13 Rock City Road, Woodstock. Call (845) 810-0131 for more information.

How New York State Legislature members spend your money for stuff, for them, to do stuff, which they should do, because that's a lot of money (boring!)

It's a well known paradox: we hate getting taxed in the state, but we love our legislators for bringing the pork home. But how much do they spend on office operations, like travel, mail, long distance calls, personal service (?), and, uh, stuff?

Well, here is a little informative chart that should help you decide in November which way you might want to go, as I'm told that our role in journalism is to communicate to our audience valuable information so they can make informed decisions.

CRAZY TALK!

Anyway, here's the chart, courtesy of The Empire Center's seethroughny.net, as first reported by the awesome Celeste Diaz of the New York Daily News.

Marlboro's 'Snooki' gets fine for being an annoyance (more so than constantly writing 'Justin Bieber' in headlines)

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. (AP) — Calling her "a Lindsay Lohan wannabe," a judge has fined "Jersey Shore" star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi $500 and ordered her to perform community service after she pleaded guilty to disturbing others on the Seaside Heights beach in July.

Her lawyer said Wednesday that Polizzi, who grew up in Marlboro, was under the influence of alcohol when she stumbled around the beach, using loud language that disturbed other beachgoers.

Polizzi apologized to police and anyone else she bothered on the beach, claiming the incident was not scripted as part of the show, even though cameras were rolling during it.

Municipal Court Judge Damian G. Murray gave her credit for one day of community service that she spent caring for abused and neglected animals at Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey Township on Sunday.

SUNY New Paltz Atrium opens Monday without Justin Bieber

A grand opening for the new addition to the Student Union Building at the State University of New York at New Paltz will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday.

The new $13.4 million, 15,000-square-foot addition, known as the Atrium, is the first expansion to the Student Union since it was opened in 1971.
Interim President Donald Christian will begin the ceremony with opening remarks, followed by comments from some people who are up for re-election in the state and Student Association President Jennifer Sanchez.

The building features new dining venues, an enhanced bookstore, student lounge areas and an
elevated seating area designed for student collaboration.

I features more than 300 glass panels and WiFi.

"We also now have an entertainment commons and game area with billiards and flat-screen televisions," said Mike Patterson, director of Student Activities and Union Services, said in a prepared statement.

Or, in other words, everything you need to study.

The addition was made possible through a special state appropriation secured by two state politicians who would like to be very much mentioned.

Kathy Stevens of the Catskill Animal Sanctuary talks about her new book, which doesn't mention Justin Bieber

Featured film that doesn't have Justin Bieber needs extras today in Port Ewen

The independent film "Francine," which has been shooting in the Hudson Valley, needs extras today at 5 p.m. at the Wood N' Wheel Roller Rink, 365 Broadway, Port Ewen.The Hudson Valley Film Commission says filmmakers need all ages, friends and families, for free roller-skating and hanging out.

Also, wear clothes, preferably very casual and plain, with no visible branding. Don't wear makeup or anything fancy. But clothes, yes.Send an e-mail to FrancineLLC@gmail.com to confirm or with any questions.

Jeff Foxworthy set for Poughkeepsie because you might be a redneck

The hos of "Are Your Smarter Than A 5th Grader." starred in “Big Night Out,” “Blue Collar TV" and is smarter than a fifth grader.

Tickets go on sale on Oct, 1 at 10 a.m. and are available at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge-by-phone 1-800-745-3000 or go online to www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $36.50, $44.50, and $59.50, reserved seating for both shows.

For more information, call (845) 454-5800, extension 201.

The center says Foxworthy has "a style that has been compared to Mark Twain’s.”

Bruce Springstein's daughter will be at Horse Shows in the Sun in Saugerties Sunday

"It is NO LONGER A RUMOR," says a rumor spread by the Bardavon.

"Jessica Springsteen WILL be competing and riding at the Pfizer $1 million dollar grand prix horse show prior to the John Fogerty concert this Sunday, September 12 at HITS in Saugerties!" wrote Chris Silva, executive director of the Poughkeepsie opera house (the Bardavon is sponsoring a concert at HITS on on Sunday).

Just in case you can't put two and two together, Silva continues:

"Bruce Springsteen has appeared onstage with John Fogerty on a number of occasions in recent years. So your $50 general admission festival seating ticket will not only get you entry to both the equestrian events and the John Fogerty concert, but it MAY even include a glimpse or a tune or two from the Boss himself."

Or, I should say, it may not.

Previously, Springsteen came to Saugerties in 2006 to see her daughter compete. He dined at Potobellos in Kingston then and told the restaurant he'd be back there when he returned.

Former CEO of Huffington Post Betsy Morgan shows my face in a presentation. But why?

Fellow Idealabber Kelly Metz (we seriously need a new name for us) posted a video of Journal Register Company adviser Betsy Morgan - former CEO of the Huffington Post, a member of the national advisory board of the Poynter Institute, former Senior Vice President and General Manager of www.CBSNews.com - who did a presentation for the Journal Register Company's IdeaLab.